Pasta with Spinach Pesto Sauce

Name: Pasta with Spinach Pesto Sauce
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 16 ounces fresh spinach, washed and chopped; 6 ounces low-fat, firm silken tofu; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 0.125 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 10 ounces fresh mushrooms, thinly sliced; 6 ounces fresh sliced shiitake mushrooms; 0.5 cup diced red onion; 0.25 cup bacon bits; 1 pound penne pasta

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A healthy, low-fat alternative to high-fat pesto sauce. Can also be made with basil or cilantro.

Recipe by Sheila Martin

Updated on July 14, 2022

11

Prep Time:

30 mins

Cook Time:

15 mins

Total Time:

45 mins

Servings:

5

Yield:

4 to 6 - servings

Jump to Nutrition Facts

Ingredients

16 ounces fresh spinach, washed and chopped
6 ounces low-fat, firm silken tofu
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon minced garlic
⅛ cup low-sodium chicken broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
10 ounces fresh mushrooms, thinly sliced
6 ounces fresh sliced shiitake mushrooms
½ cup diced red onion
¼ cup bacon bits
1 pound penne pasta

Directions

Cook pasta according to package directions.
While pasta is cooking, in food processor or blender, combine spinach, tofu, lemon juice, garlic, broth, cheese, pepper, and Italian seasoning, process until smooth. Set aside.
Spray a large non-stick saute pan with cooking spray. Over medium heat, cook onions and mushrooms until tender. Reduce heat to low, add pesto mixture and heat until hot.
Toss pasta with sauce and bacon bits. Serve with additional Parmesan cheese, if desired. NOTE: If sauce seems too thick, thin to desired consistency with pasta cooking water or broth.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

451	Calories
7g	Fat
77g	Carbs
25g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 5
Calories 451
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 7g	8%
Saturated Fat 2g	12%
Cholesterol 11mg	4%
Sodium 417mg	18%
Total Carbohydrate 77g	28%
Dietary Fiber 7g	23%
Total Sugars 6g
Protein 25g
Vitamin C 32mg	160%
Calcium 223mg	17%
Iron 6mg	36%
Potassium 924mg	20%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.